Weber’s parents lent the Axl Rose-fronted Hollywood Rose $500 to make the demo that started a rock ’n’ roll revolution.

Chris Weber, owner of the Podium in Dinky­town, had such an instrument on consignment. But he wouldn't loan the $1,000 guitar unless he accompanied it. The recording artist: Bob Dylan.

Before there was Guns N’ Roses there was Hollywood Rose. And before there was Slash, there was Chris Weber, a teenage riffmeister with a love for sleaze-meets-glam guitar. He joined Hollywood ...